Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced on Thursday, Oct. 5, that $26,501,705.74 has been awarded to 32 communities across Tennessee for local parks and recreation projects as the Governor travels statewide touting conservation investments.
“From Mountain City to Memphis, our state is blessed with natural beauty and rich resources,” Lee said. “These investments are critical in providing outdoor experiences for Tennesseans to enjoy for generations to come, and I appreciate the Tennessee General Assembly’s partnership in this effort.”
Funding is made possible through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF). Administered by TDEC’s Division of Recreation Resources, LPRF funds may be used for the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways, and the purchase of land for recreational facilities. LPRF is a competitive grant program and provides funds via reimbursements for awarded projects with qualified expenses.
“The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is proud to assist local leaders across the state with these important projects in their communities,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “We look forward to seeing these projects enhance communities across the state.”
The announcement comes as Lee traveled the state on a Conservation Tour in September with visits to:
- Seven Islands State Park in Kodak
- Brownfield Project in Bolivar
- Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in Three Way
- Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga
- Mousetail Landing State Park in Linden (Tennessee Serves event)
In the coming years, the Lee administration is committed to furthering the state’s conservation strategy by building on the recommendations of public and private stakeholders across Tennessee. The agenda’s goals include exploring opportunities to improve water infrastructure and quality, supporting natural areas, expanding safe nuclear energy production and more.
$512,008.17 has been awarded to the City of Henderson for improvements at Gene Record Park. The project includes resurfacing of the existing playground; expanding the outer perimeter to add a swing element; a new restroom facility (approx. 26’ x 11’); an ADA-compliant path; a new playground area (approx. 70’ x 112’) with pour in place rubber, three play elements, one multi-story structure, slides, and swings; and a pavilion (approx. 16’ x 28’).
“Gene Record Park offers a variety of great recreational opportunities for the community,” said State Rep. Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville. “These upgrades and accessibility improvements will further ensure that everyone can enjoy these amenities. I congratulate the city on receiving this funding and look forward to this project being completed.”
“I am very excited that my district was awarded these funds to enhance five beloved community amenities, including parks, event centers and recreation facilities,” said State Sen. Page Walley, R-Savannah. “The grants will provide recreational opportunities for the entire community and region. I look forward to seeing the great improvements these funds bring to our area.”
